Key Developments Concerning Iraq

The Associated Press

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, February 17, 2003

Developments in the Iraq crisis:

_ President Bush declared he won't be deterred by global protests against war with Iraq, adding "I respectfully disagree" with those who doubt that Saddam Hussein is a threat to peace. In Britain, Prime Minister Tony Blair said he believes public opinion would swing behind his government if it decides to take military action.

_ Future EU members from eastern Europe endorsed a joint European declaration warning Saddam he has one last chance to disarm. Earlier, French President Jacques Chirac warned them their position could be "dangerous," because the parliaments of the 15 current EU nations still have to ratify the decision for 10 new members to join the bloc next year.

_ U.N. inspectors revisited the Al Qa Qaa chemical and explosives production plant just south of Baghdad and the Harith Missile Maintenance Workshop, which maintains anti-aircraft missiles, Iraq's Information Ministry said. They also conducted a radiation survey at the Mansour State Company, which makes electronics parts for military and civilian use.

_ The United Nations said it gave Iraq 48 hours notice before sending an American U-2 spy plane on its first flight over Iraqi territory in support of the U.N. search for weapons of mass destruction.

_ U.S. and British diplomats said they will push ahead this week with a new U.N. resolution seeking authority to use force to disarm Saddam. Chirac said his country would oppose a new U.N. resolution to explicitly authorize war at this time.

_ Turkey asked the United States to nearly double its multibillion dollar aid package as a condition for allowing U.S. troops on its soil in a war against neighboring Iraq, diplomats said. The Turkish parliament put off a vote on whether to allow tens of thousands of U.S. combat troops in Turkey.